The illness causes the birds’ neck to twist violently around (Credit: Facebook/JSPCA Animals’ Shelter)

A terrifying illness affecting British pigeons is turning them into zombie birds suffering from horrific symptoms.

Pigeons afflicted with the disease on the island of Jersey have had to be euthanised.

The disease, known as pigeon paramyxovirus (PPMV) or Newcastle’s Disease, causes a host of neurological symptoms. These include a violently twisted neck and trembling wings.

The birds also become thin, have green faces and walk in circles. They also can’t fly and are reluctant to move.

On animal sanctuary based in Jersey explained the disease is ‘invariably’ fatal to the creatures.

A spokesperson for the JSPCA Animal’s Shelter said: ‘There has been an increase in the number of grounded pigeons coming into the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter in the last few weeks, many of which have been showing neurological signs such as twisted neck, circling or are unable to stand.

‘These are all signs of pigeon paramyxovirus, an invariably fatal viral disease that can affect pigeons, doves and poultry.’

‘It is a Notifiable Disease in captive birds [meaning suspected cases must be reported], but not wild birds.’

The spokesperson confirmed there’s no treatment for the illness and that ‘many birds die within a few days’.

They added: ‘Any that do survive will continue to shed the virus and be a risk to other birds. At the JSPCA, affected birds are humanely euthanased.

‘The disease is extremely infectious and spread through faeces and other secretions.

‘The virus can survive longer in the wetter, colder months, meaning clusters of cases are more common at this time of year.’

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Known as pigeon paramyxovirus, it is transmissive and ‘invariably’ fatal.